El Coto "Coto de Imaz" Rioja Reserva 2020*

The 2020 Coto de Imaz Reserva opens with expressive aromas of red cherry, raspberry, vanilla and warm cedar. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, showing polished red fruit, subtle spice, dried herbs and hints of sweet tobacco. The texture is silky, with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity giving the wine lift and precision. A touch of traditional American oak adds notes of coconut and toast, leading to a long, savory finish. This is classic Rioja Reserva—elegant, refined, and exceptionally versatile at the table.

Quick Facts

• Vintage: 2020

• Region: Rioja DOCa, Spain

• Sub-Region: Rioja Alta

• Producer: El Coto de Rioja

• Wine: Coto de Imaz Reserva

• Varietal: 100% Tempranillo

• Aging: Minimum 18 months in American oak + bottle aging

• Alcohol: ~14%

• Style: Traditional Rioja Reserva

• Farming: Sustainable practices

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: Red cherry, raspberry, vanilla, cedar, tobacco leaf

• Palate: Silky red fruit, spice, dried herbs, warm oak, polished tannins

• Finish: Long, savory, gently spiced with lingering red fruit

Why We Love It at Petit Philippe

We love this Reserva for its balance of tradition and approachability. It delivers the hallmarks of classic Rioja—silky tannins, nuanced oak, elegant red fruit—while remaining vibrant and food-friendly. It’s an excellent bottle for entertaining, an inspired pairing wine for hearty holiday dishes, and a remarkable value for the quality.

Winemaking

Sourced from estate vineyards in Rioja Alta, Tempranillo grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, fermented in stainless steel, and aged for at least 18 months in American oak barrels—a hallmark of traditional Rioja style. This aging imparts aromatic warmth, vanilla, and spice while allowing the fruit to remain fresh and defined. After oak maturation, the wine rests in bottle to integrate structure and develop complexity before release. El Coto’s focus on precision and consistency ensures a textbook Reserva year after year.

Serving & Pairing

Serve at 60–63°F; decant 20–30 minutes for full aromatic expression.
Seasonal pairing suggestions:

• Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic

• Holiday beef tenderloin

• Turkey with savory herb stuffing

• Manchego or Iberico cheeses

• Mushroom and lentil stew

• Paella with rabbit or chorizo

Its balance of acidity, spice, and red fruit makes it ideal for rich, comforting winter dishes.

Drinking Window

2024–2032. Beautiful now with a short decant; expected to gain complexity over the next 5–8 years.

Estate Overview

El Coto de Rioja is one of the region’s most respected and widely recognized producers, founded in 1970 and located in Oyón. Known for its extensive estate holdings in Rioja Alta, the winery emphasizes meticulous vineyard management and traditional winemaking. The Coto de Imaz line represents El Coto’s more terroir-driven, age-worthy expressions, offering classic Rioja elegance at remarkable value. Their Reserva bottlings are celebrated for consistency, finesse, and their ability to complement a broad range of cuisine.